Environmentally Sustainable Communities in New York

The New York Community Trust (The Trust), a leading community foundation since 1924, is offering a grant opportunity to support collaborative regional efforts that address environmental and climate-related challenges across downstate New York. The initiative seeks to promote sustainable, resilient, and just communities across New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley (Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, and Ulster counties). This year, The Trust is accepting proposals focused on one of three priority areas: (1) sustainable food systems, (2) climate-resilient housing and land use planning, or (3) community development driven by renewable energy. Proposals may include advocacy, research, policy planning, and program development; however, proposals limited solely to planning may be less competitive. Projects must benefit all three geographic regions and ideally be implemented by coalitions or organizations with a proven history of regional collaboration. Grants will range from $150,000 to $300,000 over two years. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored programs with offices in New York State. They must also have a track record in the proposed focus area. Ineligible uses of funds include capital projects, litigation, land acquisition, and efforts duplicating previously funded projects. Required materials include a 3–5 page narrative outlining the applicant’s background, goals, activities, geographic strategy, partners, and expected outcomes. Additional required documents are the project and organizational budgets and a list of board members with affiliations. Applications must be submitted electronically by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 20, 2025, via The Trust’s Grantseeker Portal. An optional virtual info session will be held on May 8, 2025. Applicants will be notified of award decisions by the end of 2025. For questions, applicants should contact Arturo Garcia-Costas, Program Director for Environment, at agarciacostas@thenytrust.org.